Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Coahoma Community College

At just over $20,000 in first-year earnings, this associate's program places in the bottom 5% nationally but lands near the middle for Mississippi community colleges—a reflection of the state's broader economic challenges rather than this specific program's failings. The $6,600 debt load is manageable, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio low enough that graduates can realistically make payments even on Mississippi wages.

The gap to Mississippi's top-performing community colleges is significant, though. Holmes Community College graduates earn 27% more ($25,496 vs. $20,069), suggesting that program choice matters even within the state's limited options. Still, earnings do climb 16% by year four, and nearly 60% of students here receive Pell grants—this program is serving a population that might not otherwise access higher education at all.

For Mississippi families, this comes down to local context and alternatives. If your child can commute to Holmes or Meridian Community College instead, the earnings bump might justify the extra distance. If Coahoma is the accessible option and your child plans to transfer to a four-year school anyway, the low debt makes it workable as a stepping stone. But as a terminal degree for immediate workforce entry, the earnings ceiling here is tight, even by Mississippi standards.